California is the top state in the country for dental assisting employment, according to the Bureau of Labor.
It’s a great place to enter into this rewarding and exciting career!
Trade Schools & Online Programs
Online certification courses are the best way to get started:
Program Benefits
You will learn the skills needed to sit for the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exams by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
How Long Does It Take?
Dental assistants are often capable of completing a training course within just 12 months. You might be able to complete the course above in 6 months depending on your pace of study.
How Much Does it Cost?
Approximately $2,000, and financing is available
What Do You Study?
With any dental assistant program, expect to take the following courses:
- Dental office administration
- Basics of dental terminology and patient issues
- How to scheduling appointments with software
- Patient records retrieval and history
- Bookkeeping, billing and recall systems
- Understanding claim forms
- Industry coding
More Local Programs
- Anaheim, Ontario, Los Angeles
- Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, Stockton
- Bakersfield
- Canyon Country
- San Francisco
- Garden Grove, North Hollywood, San Bernardino, San Diego
- Glendale, West Covina, San Diego, Bakersfield, Riverside
- Concord, Fresno, Modesto, Sacramento, San Jose, Van Nuys
- Paramount
- Bakersfield, Lancaster, Temecula
- Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced, Palm Desert, Visalia, Fairfield, La Quinta
- Panorama City
- West Covina, Pomona, Glendale, Riverside, Anaheim, Long Beach, San Diego, Bakersfield
- Bakersfield, Delano, Fresno, Hesperia, Lancaster, Salida, Ontario, Porterville, Rancho Cordova, Temecula, Visalia, Sacramento, San Leandro, Santa Maria, Rancho Mirage
- San Jose
- Anaheim, Bakersfield, Chula Vista, Fresno, Gardena, Huntington Park, Ontario, Riverside, Sacramento, San Marcos, Stockton, West Covina
- Bakersfield, Concord, Fremont, Hayward, Sacramento, San Jose, South San Francisco
American Career College (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
American Career College offers a 10-month Dental Assisting diploma program delivered in a blended format, requiring only two days of in-person instruction per week with the remainder completed online. Students gain 55.0 quarter credits through a curriculum that includes 160 hours of real-world externship experience and specialized training in coronal polishing, radiography, and CPR. Based on local Google reviews and the program's clinical focus, graduates are equipped with a diploma and the hands-on skills necessary to assist with procedures and manage patient records in professional dental settings.
Carrington College (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program provides comprehensive training for students to work in dental offices, covering patient care, office duties, and laboratory tasks. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and approved by the Dental Board of California, the program offers flexible learning options, including online and on-ground lab classes, and can be completed in as little as nine months.
Central California Dental Academy (Rating: 5 out 5)
Central California Dental Academy’s Dental Assisting Program prepares students for a professional dental career in just 16 weeks, blending online lectures with hands-on training in a modern dental facility. The $3,800 program includes certifications in CPR, Radiation Safety, Infection Control, and the Dental Practice Act, and accepts new students weekly, with class sizes limited to 12 for personalized instruction. Graduates leave with all necessary credentials to begin working immediately as a dental assistant, supported by flexible 0% interest payment plans.
Charter College (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
Charter College offers a 10-month Certificate in Dental Assisting program, designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in dental offices, laboratories, and support organizations. The blended learning format includes classroom instruction and online coursework, covering essential skills such as preventative dentistry, radiography, infection control, and dental office management. Students also complete a 180-hour externship for hands-on experience, ensuring they meet state and local regulations, understand environmental and infection control issues, and demonstrate professionalism and effective administrative abilities.
City College of San Francisco (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
City College of San Francisco’s Dental Assisting program is a 10-month intensive training that combines classroom learning with hands-on experience in clinics, dental schools, and private practices. Graduates earn either an AS degree or a Certificate of Achievement and are qualified to take both the California licensure exam to become Registered Dental Assistants and the national exam for Certified Dental Assistants. The curriculum covers chairside assistance, diagnostic aids, oral health education, and business office skills, preparing students for a variety of dental care settings.
Concorde Career College (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
Concorde’s Dental Assisting program offers both a diploma and an associate degree pathway, preparing students for a versatile role in dental offices. The diploma program can be completed in as few as 9 months, while the associate degree takes approximately 18 months, with training available at Southaven and Memphis campuses. Approved by state dental boards, the curriculum includes hands-on externships, certification in expanded duties and radiology (in Florida), and career-focused instruction in patient care, diagnostics, and front office operations.
Glendale Career College (Rating: 4 out 5)
Glendale Career College offers a hands-on Dental Assistant program that can be completed in as little as 9 months, combining classroom theory with a substantial 180-hour clinical externship. Students gain the technical expertise required for chairside assisting and dental imaging while earning essential industry-recognized credentials, including a CPR Certification and Certificates of Completion in X-ray and Coronal Polishing. Based on local Google reviews and the college's specialized curriculum, graduates are well-prepared to support oral health teams across private practices and specialty clinics throughout Southern California and Nevada.
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
Gurnick Academy’s Dental Assistant program is an 8-month certificate course consisting of 32 instructional weeks and 946.5 total hours, including a 180-hour clinical externship. The curriculum is approved by the Dental Board of California (DBC), allowing students to earn specific certifications in Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, and Infection Control. This hands-on program prepares students for entry-level roles by combining didactic lectures with practical laboratory training and professional development services.
Healthcare Career College (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
Healthcare Career College offers an 11-month Dental Assistant diploma program that combines administrative and clinical training with a built-in clinical externship. The curriculum includes free preparation and testing for nationally accepted certifications, specifically designed to help graduates qualify for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) licensure in California. This comprehensive pathway ensures students are proficient in essential skills like coronal polishing and radiation safety while meeting the Dental Board of California’s educational standards.
High Desert Medical College (Rating: 3.1 out 5)
High Desert Medical College offers a hybrid Dental Assisting certificate program that can be completed in 34 weeks for morning/afternoon students or 42 weeks for those in the evening track. Students gain 780 total clock hours of instruction, including a 160-hour clinical externship, which provides essential real-world experience in a professional dental setting. Upon graduation, students receive a Certificate of Completion and a California X-ray Certification, while also being prepared to sit for additional industry-standard credentials through the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA).
Milan Institute (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
36-week training program in California, Nevada, and Texas, providing both administrative and clinical skills. Students receive hands-on training through an externship at an off-site dental facility, learning essential tasks such as scheduling appointments, assisting dentists during procedures, and performing dental radiology.
National Career College (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
National Career College’s Dental Assistant Program in Los Angeles provides a blend of technical skills and patient care expertise for a rewarding career in the dental industry. The program offers practical experience with state-of-the-art facilities simulating real-world dental offices, flexible scheduling, and financial aid options to accommodate students' needs. Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the 9-month program includes a comprehensive curriculum and externship, preparing graduates for a stable and fulfilling career in dental healthcare.
North-West College (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
North-West College offers a hands-on Dental Assistant program at multiple California campuses and online, designed to equip students with clinical skills like X-ray processing, instrument sterilization, and chairside assistance. While specific timeframes vary by schedule, the program is a career-focused technical course that prepares graduates for immediate entry into dental offices, clinics, and health facilities. Based on local Google reviews, students often highlight the accessibility of both day and evening classes as a key benefit for balancing their training with other responsibilities.
San Joaquin Valley College (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
SJVC's Dental Assisting program equips students with comprehensive training in patient care, office, and laboratory duties essential for working with a dentist. The program offers hands-on training and can be completed in as few as 11 months, with classes available at five convenient locations in California. SJVC is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and approved by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in dental offices, performing tasks such as chairside assistance, taking dental impressions, and conducting preventive clinical procedures.
San Jose City College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
San José City College offers an intensive, full-time Dental Assisting program that can be completed in approximately 11 months (spread over one year) for the Certificate of Achievement, with the option to pursue a 60-unit Associate of Science degree. Fully accredited by CODA and approved by the Dental Board of California, the curriculum prepares students for both the California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) national exams. Graduates also earn critical specialized certifications in Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, and Pit & Fissure Sealants as part of their comprehensive training.
UEI College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
UEI College offers a hybrid Dental Assistant program that can be completed in as few as 10 months, blending online learning with on-site lab training and a 170-hour clinical externship. The curriculum covers both front-office administration and back-office clinical skills, specifically focusing on dental science, radiography, and preventative procedures. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates earn a Dental Assistant Diploma, providing them with the foundational credentials needed for entry-level roles such as oral surgery or orthodontic assistant.
Unitek College (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
Unitek College’s Dental Assisting program offers a hybrid (in-person and online) curriculum that can be completed in as little as 10 months, providing a robust foundation in both clinical and administrative aspects of dental assisting. The program covers essential skills such as sterilization techniques, dental X-rays, and emergency management, with a focus on hands-on labs and a 200-hour externship.
California Requirements
Once you have completed your education, you need to be apply to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in California.
According to the Dental Board of California:
To Qualify for RDA examinations, you must:
- Graduate from a Board-approved RDA educational program of a minimum of 800 hours (approximately 8 months); or
- Complete at least 15 months of satisfactory (1,280 Hours) paid work experience as a dental assistant with a dentist licensed in one of the states in the United States; or
- Complete a California Department of Education approved 4-month educational program, and 11 months of work experience with a dentist(s) licensed in one of the states of the United States.
Licensed vs Unlicensed
While it is not mandatory in all states that a dental assistant be licensed, many states severely limit the tasks an unlicensed dental assistant may perform.
In California, for example, the job details vary depending on whether a dental assistant is licensed or not.
As would be expected, there is also a difference in the pay you can expect to receive if you are licensed versus not being licensed. This is because the duties can be so varied.
Unlicensed
An unlicensed dental assistant in California may:
- Apply fluoride treatment
- Examine orthodontia for defects
- Expose finished x-rays
- Hand instruments to the dentist or oral surgeon during a procedure
- Handle billing
- Polish finished casts
- Pour casts
- Prepare instrument trays
- Prepare insurance claims
- Ready a patient for procedures
- Schedule appointments and greet patients
- Sterilize equipment
- Suction a patient’s mouth during a procedure
Licensed
Once a dental assistant is licensed, he or she can handle additional responsibilities. Those tasks include:
- Examine teeth for damage using mirrors and other tools
- Handle teeth whitening treatments
- Insert dressings after oral surgeries
- Prepare temporary crowns
- Take patient histories
- Remove stitches
Finally, a licensed dental assistant who passes the state dental examining board’s advanced training program has additional job details. These may include:
- Apply sealants
- Prepare enamel bonding treatments
- Prepare and take teeth impressions for dental appliances
Salary
Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.
| Location | Hourly | Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | $23.30 | $48,460 |
| Chico | $24.60 | $51,160 |
| Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode | $26.68 | $55,490 |
| El Centro | $26.58 | $55,280 |
| Fresno | $23.93 | $49,770 |
| Hanford-Corcoran | $26.09 | $54,270 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $22.78 | $47,390 |
| Madera | $25.20 | $52,420 |
| Merced | $24.68 | $51,340 |
| Modesto | $24.33 | $50,600 |
| Napa | $27.61 | $57,430 |
| North Coast | $26.47 | $55,060 |
| North Valley-Northern Mountains | $29.29 | $60,930 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $24.69 | $51,360 |
| Redding | $24.61 | $51,190 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $23.17 | $48,190 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade | $27.69 | $57,600 |
| Salinas | $26.50 | $55,120 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad | $24.51 | $50,980 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward | $29.81 | $62,000 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $32.04 | $66,640 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande | $25.49 | $53,010 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $24.40 | $50,760 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $27.20 | $56,580 |
| Santa Rosa | $30.13 | $62,680 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $25.25 | $52,520 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield | $28.91 | $60,120 |
| Visalia-Porterville | $24.21 | $50,350 |
| Yuba City | $23.78 | $49,460 |
source: data.bls.gov
Highest Salaries in Urban Tech Hubs
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has the highest reported salary, with an hourly wage of $32.04 and an annual salary of $66,640. This is likely due to the high cost of living in Silicon Valley and strong demand for healthcare professionals in the region.
San Francisco and Santa Rosa Also Pay Well
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward ($29.81/hr, $62,000) and Santa Rosa ($30.13/hr, $62,680) also offer some of the highest salaries, reflecting the higher cost of living in the Bay Area.
Lowest Salaries in Los Angeles and Inland Areas
The lowest salaries are in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($22.78/hr, $47,390) and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario ($23.17/hr, $48,190). This suggests that competition in these populous areas may be keeping wages slightly lower.
Occupation: Dental Assistants(SOC Code319091)
source: data.bls.gov
Job Description
Job listings require a strong knowledge of dental tools, the ability to work well with others, excellent customer service skills, calm sense of being even when stressed, and the ability to solve problems independently.
Dentists want assistants who require little prompting to get the work completed in a timely manner. As many tasks require precision details, a steady hand is often necessary.
Things like removing stitches or applying sealants could injure a patient if the dental assistant has shaky hands.
Related:
Dental Assistant vs Dental Hygienist
Employer Expectations
Technical Skills and Certifications
Employers in California require dental assistants to have strong technical skills, including chairside assistance, radiography, sterilization techniques, and knowledge of dental materials and instruments.
Many positions, such as those at UCSF School of Dentistry and USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, expect candidates to be proficient in infection control procedures, four-handed dentistry, and patient preparation.
Additionally, a Radiation Safety License from the Dental Board of California is often required for taking dental X-rays.
CPR/BLS certification is a common prerequisite, with institutions like Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and Rinse Dental prioritizing candidates who hold valid life support training.
Some employers, such as Santa Barbara Dental Spa, prefer assistants who have experience with oral surgery, endodontics, and implant procedures.
Work Environment and Duties
Dental assistants in California work in diverse settings, including university clinics, private practices, hospitals, and specialty dental centers. For example, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) hires assistants to support students in a high-volume clinic, sterilize equipment, and maintain inventory.
Similarly, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services seeks assistants for roles in hospitals, emergency rooms, and acute care settings, requiring a broader scope of medical knowledge.
In private practice, dental assistants at Precise Orthodontics and Monrovia Dentalcare assist with patient scheduling, taking impressions, and maintaining digital records. Specialized clinics like Rinse Dental emphasize preventative dentistry, requiring assistants to educate patients on oral hygiene and caries prevention.
Patient Interaction and Communication
Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as dental assistants frequently interact with patients. Employers like USC and UCSF prioritize bilingual candidates, particularly those fluent in Spanish, to better serve diverse patient populations. Many roles, including those at Rinse Dental, require assistants to comfort and reassure patients, explain post-treatment care, and ensure a positive experience.
Crossover with Other Healthcare Fields
Dental assistants often collaborate with oral surgeons, orthodontists, endodontists, and periodontists.
Positions at USC’s Pediatric Dentistry team require assisting with sedation and operating room procedures, while Los Angeles County DHS employs dental assistants in hospital environments, working alongside general healthcare professionals. These roles may involve responsibilities similar to medical assistants, such as record-keeping, patient education, and sterilization protocols.
Advancement and Career Growth
Many dental assistants in California gain on-the-job training that can lead to career advancement. Those who pursue additional certifications, such as Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) licensure, may qualify for higher-paying roles at clinics like Santa Barbara Dental Spa, which requires knowledge of implants, root canals, and advanced restorative procedures
Positions at institutions like UCSF and USC also offer exposure to teaching clinics and research facilities, providing a path into dental hygiene or dental school.
Conclusion
California employers seek dental assistants who are technically skilled, certified in radiation safety and CPR, and capable of working in various dental settings. Strong communication, organizational skills, and adaptability to different specialties are highly valued. Whether assisting in academic institutions, private practices, or hospital settings, dental assistants play a critical role in ensuring efficient and high-quality patient care.